Player / Parent Info

It is the responsibility of all parents and contestants to be aware of the Policies of the

Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships

CADDIES AND CARTS — No player may ride in a powered golf cart during his/her competitive rounds, with the exception of tournament-approved shuttles at certain sites. Players in Divisions 1, 2, 3 and 4 may have one caddie. Caddie may carry contestant in Divisions 1 if necessary. All other players must walk. Specified caddie only may give advice. Players in Divisions 5, 6 and 7 may not have a caddie and must walk and carry their own bag or use a pull cart. Players and parents in Sunday’s Parent-Child event may use powered golf carts.

CELL PHONES AND PAGERS – Contestants MAY NOT USE NOR CARRY a cell phone or pager during practice or competition rounds. Penalty disqualification. Spectators are requested to NOT carry audible cell phones or pagers, or carry on a conversation on their phone, on any golf course during practice or competition rounds.

CODE OF CONDUCT – Violations of the Code of Conduct include: verbal or physical abuse of any person, club throwing, cheating, disrespect of volunteers or officials, abuse of the golf course (divots not replaced, bunkers not raked, ball marks not repaired), discarded trash not placed in proper receptacle, vandalism, use of smoking or chewing tobacco products, use of drugs or alcohol, not adhering to dress code, leaving course during a competition round without permission of a Tournament official, or any other conduct not becoming a Little People’s participant. Competitors who violate the Code are subject to a two-stroke penalty or disqualification, dependent on PLPGC Tournament Committee decision. Players and parents should always conduct themselves in a professional manner while at event sites. Under no circumstances will displays of temper, by players or parents, either verbally or physically, be tolerated, and such acts will result in the permanent suspension of all parties involved from all tournament courses for the duration of the tournament and possibly future tournaments. Other complaints or violations not specifically covered will be reviewed by the Tournament Committee which will determine the final action to be taken.

COMPETITION – All play shall be governed by current USGA Rules of Golf and its Decisions, and, where applicable, by Local Rules, Conditions and Definements, subject to changes or amendments by the PLPGC Rules Committee (2019 Tournament Information). PLPGC tournament officials at each competition course will be in charge of tournament activities at that course. Decisions of PLPGC officials are final.

DRESS CODE – Proper attire is required on every golf course, practice tee and practice green. Any violation will result in the player not being allowed to participate until he/she has met the following regulations. The dress code prohibits shoes having metal spikes, short shorts, tank tops, halter-tops, bare midriffs, T-shirts, denim shorts and jeans, and headphones. All hats and caps must be worn properly; collared shirts, turtlenecks or mock turtles may be worn and must be tucked in (girls may wear a collarless shirt if it is part of a coordinated outfit). Offensive slogans, language and/or pictures on clothing will not be tolerated.

GREEN READING MATERIAL– Any type of green-reading material, i.e. scopes, maps, apps or professionally-written notes or documents, will NOT BE ALLOWED during competition in the 2019 tournament. This includes the Applebee’s Parent-Child, practice rounds and competition rounds. Hand drawn or written information about a putting green is only allowed if contained in a book or paper meeting the size limit (4-1/4”x7”) and written by the player and/or his or her caddie. Any violation is cause for disqualification.

LIGHTNING – The signal for suspending play due to a dangerous situation will be a prolonged note of siren. The signal to resume play will be two short notes of siren repeated. –See Rule 5.7 Stopping Play; Resuming Play. If lightning becomes a threat, or if the siren is sounded, TAKE SHELTER IMMEDIATELY – NOT under a tree! Find shelter or crouch down as low as possible. DO NOT spread eagle on the ground or seek shelter under a tree! Each course has a plan in place to pick up as many people as possible swiftly in the case of extremely threatening weather. No one may hit balls on the driving range or putt on the practice green during suspension of play.

HOLE #5 AT WESTVIEW; PLAYERS IN 4-B, 5 B&G– If a player’s ball is hit into the regular water hazard in front of #5 green, the player MUST, under penalty of one stroke, proceed to the drop area on the left side of the hazard, even though this drop area is considerably closer to the hole. Scoring example…if your third shot goes into the water hazard, you will be hitting your FIFTH shot from the drop area.DO NOT hit more than one ball into the water from the fairway/rough. If you hit a ball into the water from the drop area, you must hit another shot from the drop area and add a penalty shot. If any shot goes into the water, you MUST move to the drop area for your next shot

NEW MODIFIED USGA RULEregarding movement of ball on green will be in effect for the 2019 Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships. Rules 18-2, 18-3 and 20-1 are modified as follows: When a player’s ball lies on the putting green, there is no penalty if the ball or ball-marker is accidentally moved by the player, his partner, his opponent, or any of their caddies or equipment. The moved ball or ball-marker must be replaced as provided in Rules 18-2, 18-3 and 20-1. This local Rule applies only when the player’s ball or ball-marker lies on the putting green and any movement is accidental. NOTE: If it is determined that a player’s ball on the putting green was moved as a result of wind, water or some other natural cause such as the effects of gravity, the ball must be played as it lies from its new location. A ball-marker moved in such circumstances is replaced.

PACE OF PLAY— Player must not unreasonably delay play, either when playing a hole or between two holes. See Rule 5.6a for penalties for breach of rule. Players should play at a prompt pace throughout the round (see Pace of Play Rule 5.6b). In stroke play, players may play “ready golf” in a safe and responsible way (see Rule 6.4b Exception). The Pepsi Little People’s Committeerecommends that a player should make a stroke in no more than 40 seconds after he/she is able to play without interference or distraction, and that an 18-hole round of golf should take no more than 4-1/2 hours. (See Rule 5.6a for penalties for breach of rule)

It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that in order to avoid any penalty for slow play, that all competitors play READY GOLF – which means being READY to hit your next shot as soon as another player has played. (For separate document on Pace of Play – Ready Golf, click here.)

PLAYER’S RESPONSIBILITIES – Carry enough liquid in your golf bag for at least nine holes. Carry a current USGA Rules Book and the LPGC Tournament Information in your bag and know how to find answers. Know the Definitions in the USGA Rules Book. Contestants MAY NOT USE NOR CARRY cell phones or pagers on any course during practice or competition.Penalty disqualification.

PLAYING UP – It is the policy of Pepsi Little People’s that no boy or girl shall be allowed to play out of his or her age division. Entries received by the Little People’s Headquarters staff will be placed in the age division that they are age-eligible for, and will be expected to play in that division. Age Divisions are determined by the age a player will be on the FINAL DAY of Little People’s competition each year (June 19, 2019).

PRACTICE ROUND – Players or parents are responsible for calling their competition course at any time after May 1 to make a starting time for the official practice round on Monday. Courses and phone numbers are listed in the parent’s acceptance letter. One practice round per contestant on Monday is included in your entry fee. Additional practice rounds at the competition golf courses may be played at any time before the tournament at the discretion of the golf course, upon payment of greens fees. Please call your competition course for a practice round starting time after May 1, 2019.

RANGE FINDERS – It is the decision of the Pepsi Little People’s Board of Directors that range-finders will be allowed for ALL players ages 3-18 in Little People’s. They shall also be allowed in the Applebees Parent-Child event. Rangefinders must measure DISTANCE ONLY, and must NOT measure any other condition such as wind, slope or temperature. Rangefinders that do not meet these requirements will not be allowed, whether these functions are used or not. See Rule 4-3 Use of Equipment. Contestants MAY NOT USE NOR CARRY a cell phone or pager during practice or competition rounds.

REGISTRATION – All Little People’s players (ages 3 through 18) must register at Westview Golf Course, 2150 S. 36th Street in Quincy, on Sunday between noon and 6 pm, or between 9 am and 5 pm on Monday. If you are unable to get to Westview before 5 pm on Monday, you MUST call the Registration Desk at 217-257-5718 by 5 pm Monday to receive an approved exemption for late registration. IT IS MANDATORY THAT WE HEAR FROM YOU BY 5 PM ON MONDAY or your position in the tournament may be cancelled.

RULES OF CONDUCT– Our goal is for every contestant to compete in a relaxed, happy and safe atmosphere. This can happen ONLY if contestants and parents have respect for their peers and adults. Each player should expect the best emotional playing conditions in a calm and focused atmosphere. We will NOT tolerate:

Outbursts of Temper Any act that would humiliate or Embarrass a Player

Verbal or Physical abuse of any Child Loud or Demonstrative Arguments or Discussions

Please take any arguments or discussions OFF the golf course and AWAY from the contestants as they compete. Any violation of the above will mean PERMANENT SUSPENSION of all parties involved from all tournament courses for the duration of the tournament, and possibly from future tournaments

SCORING – Caddie may count and record scores in Divisions 1, 2, 3 and 4. Players in Divisions 1 and 2 are limited to 12 strokes per hole, including whiffs. Each player in Divisions 1, 2, 3 and 4 (boys and girls ages 3 through 11) may have one caddie only. It is their responsibility to check the score recorded with the competitor after each hole. Scorecards must be exchanged within each group. Players in Divisions 5, 6 and 7 must exchange scorecards within their group and are responsible for recording the competitor’s score after each hole. It is the competitor’s responsibility to check his/her card after the completion of each round before signing it. Each card must be signed by player and scorer AFTER checking scores at Scorer’s Table. Each competitor should wait at Scorer’s Table until his/her card has been checked and competitor is dismissed by the PLPGC scorer. Competitor is responsible for hole-by-hole score only. Parents must not become involved with scoring in Divisions 5, 6 and 7.

SECOND (FINAL) ROUND PAIRINGS– After the first round of play, all competitors will be regrouped by score for their final round, with the higher scorers teeing off first and the lower scorers teeing off last within their Division’s time frame. Pairings for boys and girls aged 10 through 18 CANNOT be changed for any reason because of ranking restrictions. The Tournament Committee reserves the right to alternate time frames for players in all Divisions. Players and/or parents are responsible for finding out their tee times. Pairings for first-round play will be posted at each golf course and in the registration area at Westview, on Sunday morning, June 16; pairings for final-round play will be available at each golf course, and on our website at www.littlepeoplesgolf.com after play on Tuesday.

SPECIAL RULE FOR 4-B CADDIES – In an effort to speed up play in Division 4-B (Boys 10-11), caddies are NOT allowed on the greens or fringes. Players must line up their own putts and handle the flagstick. Any violation of this Rule will result in a warning to the offending caddie. Continued violation of this Rule could result in disqualification of the player and/or suspension of the caddie from the golf course. Please see separate sheet on Rules for Division 4-B.

SPECTATORS– Spectators are welcome and may follow players in all Divisions, but may notcommunicate with them in any manner at any time during their competition round. Clapping and encouragement for good play are allowed as long as it does not interfere with tournament play. Contestants are reminded of Rule 10.2a concerning advice and receiving assistance. Penalty two strokes. Contestants are reminded that significant contact/conversation may be construed as advice by fellow competitors. Spectators are encouraged to come out and watch the youngsters compete on their own.Spectators are requested to turn off cell phones or pagers on every golf course during competition.

STARTING TIMES– – Rule 5-3a of the USGA Rules of Golf provides that the player must be ready to play at the starting time and starting point set by the committee. The penalty for breach of this Rule is disqualification. However, if a player arrives at his/her starting point, ready to play, within 5 minutes after that starting time, the penalty for failure to start on time is two strokes at the first hole. The Committee may decide that exceptional circumstances prevented the player from starting on time, in which case there is no penalty. We WILL NOTadjust second-round starting times in divisions 4, 5, 6 and 7 to accommodate special needs. Please make travel plans accordingly.

TIES– Ties for first place ONLY in each Division shall be decided by hole-by-hole playoff immediately following conclusion of play in each Division. Ties for other trophy-winning positions may be decided by hole-by-hole playoff or duplicate trophies may be awarded, at the discretion of the PLPGC Tournament Committee. In the case of darkness or adverse weather conditions, ties may be decided by hole-by-hole putt-off or matching cards backwards, starting with final hole played.

TOURNAMENT ACCEPTANCE – It is important to have a valid email address, phone number and fax number (if available) on file with the Pepsi Little People’s Tournament Office to ensure receipt of your tournament acceptance pak and to receive information on entry forms for the following year, if you have a child eligible. Tournament acceptance information is emailed once a player has been accepted into the tournament, and contains information vital to your entry and how to access additional important information on our website. Most correspondence is done through email, phone or fax, so having the correct information in our database is important. Entries are accepted on a first-received basis. Because of limited space at Westview Golf Course (Boys and Girls Divisions 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7), it is recommended that entries be sent to Tournament Headquarters as soon as possible to insure acceptance. Entry forms may be faxed, emailed or mailed, with payment by check or credit card.

TOURNAMENT ENTRY FORMS – Entry forms for the Pepsi Little People’s and the Parent-Child Event, will be posted on our website on February 1, 2019. Information on all competitions and associated events (the acceptance paks) will also be posted at that time. For further information, contact Nan Ryan at 217-257-5718 or jrgolfer@littlepeoplesgolf.com

WITHDRAWALS – You will be in violation of Pepsi Little People’s policy if you fail to complete your round OR if you fail to complete the stipulated number of holes for your Division, except for a legitimate reason. If it becomes necessary for you to withdraw, you must notify the Little People’s Tournament Representative at your respective course, who will determine if the withdrawal is justified or unjustified. If the withdrawal at any time is unjustified, you will be suspended from play in a Pepsi Little People’s event for the following year.

MGS ScholarshipPepsi Little People’s has announced that the Maureen Garrity Scholarship for Women has been established to honor Maureen Garrity, a long-time supporter and volunteer for the Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships.​Dr. Garrity passed away December 23, 2018, after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer.​Maureen spent 34 years at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, and was particularly impactful in supporting student-led programs on social determinants of health, leadership and community service. Her impact on students, faculty, staff and colleagues across the country was truly amazing and leaves an immeasurable legacy of educators, physicians, leaders and friends.​For 16 years, Maureen was a year-round volunteer for the Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championship, and could be seen during the tournament working on her computer, taking pictures, and cheering on the players.​This merit Scholarship was established to support the education of women who participate in the Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships. The recipient should be a high school junior or senior, graduating in 2019 or 2020, with an unweighted grade-point average of 3.5 or above, who intends to pursue a college degree, and who competes in and completes the 2019 Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships.​This Scholarship will fund the recipient in an amount between $1500 and $2000 for her continuing education, as indicated in her personal statement.​For information and application, please email Nan Ryan, LPGC Executive Director, at ryannan@me.com. Completed application and associated documents must be received by the Little People’s office no later than April 15, 2019. ... See MoreSee Less